Starbreeze Sells “Brothers” IP to 505 Games for $500 Thousand Cash

Swedish publisher Starbreeze Studios has sold its successful indie IP Brothers to 505 Games for $500,000 in cash. The deal “represents our final transition to the digital strategy,” said Bo Andersson Klint, CEO of Starbreeze AB in a press release. “With Brothers we’ve created a strong and critically acclaimed IP, which we now feel can be best nurtured under a new owner. Going forward, we will continue development focused on expansive design, a concept proven with the PAYDAY-franchise. Brothers will continue to generate awe and admiration for the great storytelling standard Josef Fares set under 505 Games watchful eye.” said Klint.

The game, created by Swedish filmmaker Josef Fares and developed at Starbreeze, was a commercial and critical hit, selling 800,000 units worldwide. There’s no news yet as to what plans 505 has in store for Brothers but the studio’s President Ian Howe hints at Brothers fitting into a larger strategy. “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a remarkable game, one of the most affecting games of the last generation and one of which 505 Games has been very proud to be associated,” said Howe, “This acquisition reflects 505 Games’ stated strategy of owning and controlling its own IP, and, moreover, IP that can contribute something meaningful to the world of interactive entertainment.”

Meanwhile Fares has started his own development company, Hazelight, with the core team from Brothers working on a untitled game that will be published by EA. A teaser for the game shows two men riding in a boxcar on a moonlit night. This is wild speculation but it looks like either some kind of homeless simulator or a narrative tour de force inspired by the rail-riding stories of beat writer Jack Kerouac. Only time will tell.

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